Jim was born the son of Buck and Naomi (Wilson) Lightner on July 12, 1949, in Chillicothe, Mo. He was united in marriage to Lovie Lionberger on Jan. 10, 1969, in Chillicothe. She survives of the home.

He was a 1967 Chillicothe High School graduate. Jim held several of the football kicking records at the Chillicothe High School, holding one for 42 years and was nicknamed "Golden Toe."

Jim was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church, Chillicothe Elks 656, Chillicothe Booster Club, Grand River NWTF, Quails Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, a lifetime Ducks Unlimited sponsor, and a charter member of Gill Camp. He loved to hunt and enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren with him. He was a great Pa Pa spending most of his spare time at their activities. He also enjoyed playing poker, unless he was losing.

Jim retired as Chief Deputy of the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 31, 2012, after serving this community through the Sheriff's Office and Chillicothe Police Department for 28 years. During that time he changed many lives by treating everyone with respect. Jim had continued helping the Sheriff's department on a part time basis since his retirement, in helping with Court Bailiff and Security details in the Courthouse.

Jim was honored in 2007 as Deputy of the year from the Missouri Sheriffs' Association. In 2002, he received two awards for Valor from KQTV for performances while on duty. Jim also received three lifesaving awards and a significant number of commendations for helping people.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Brenda Hicks, Debbie Lightner, and Dana Lightner; and father-in-law Clyde Lionberger.

Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Mo., on Sunday, March 3, 2013, at 2 p.m. A scheduled family visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo., on Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 6 until 8 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chillicothe Hunting and Fishing Club, and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindeyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo.